10 NFL Preseason Matchups We're Still Looking Forward to

Training camps have come and gone, and now we're all just counting the days until the regular season starts. But until then, we still have a few more weeks of preseason games, and thus, player evaluations.

That's more time for all those new free agency pick-ups to get acclimated and those fresh-faced rookies to gain some NFL experience.

These games can reveal the strengths and weaknesses teams, with storylines that we're all interested in following. But which stories are we the most interested in? We all saw red flags pop up after the Steelers Eagles game on Thursday.

Here's the top 10 games left to help us bide our time until the real games start. 

10. Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers

Perhaps the biggest storyline going into this game is the play of Alex Smith, who gave San Francisco fans no reason to believe in the team's first preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.

Since then, the 49ers have discussed bringing in Dante Culpepper, two years removed from NFL competition, and have signed former Raider Josh McCown. The Raiders are still trying to figure out their defense without Nnamdi Asomugha, along with much more. Both teams have some significant questions to answer.

Let's not forget what truly makes this a great game—preseason or not, this game means bragging rights for the two Bay Area fanbases.

9. Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins

Cam Newton had a solid showing in his first action last week against the New York Giants, posting up 134 yards on an 8-of-19 night. He didn't post the best completion percentage, but he looked very aware in the pocket and ready to compete at this level of competition.

With this upcoming game against the Dolphins, we can get another look at him and possibly see what they're planning on doing with Reggie Bush as the feature back in Miami.

8. Arizona Cardinal at Green Bay Packers

Remember that amazing 2010 playoff game between these two teams, with the Cardinals winning 51-45 in overtime? This games offers somewhat of a rematch, with the Cardinals feeling like they have a long-term quarterback solution.

This will be our second look at Kevin Kolb with his new team in a game with two pass-heavy offenses. Plus, this offers up another chance to see how fast Ryan Grant is recovering from injury. 

7. New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans

This game features two high-powered offenses. The Texans bring back the usual suspects—Arian Foster will be in his second year as a starter. The Saints, on the other hand, have a few changes at running back with Reggie Bush departing and being replaced by Darren Sproles, and rookie Mark Ingram continues to battle for the starting role.

What may be the most interesting part of this game to follow is the continued development of the Texans' new 3-4 defense. Will Wade Phillips be able to make things work with the pieces he has in place this season, or will the Texans continue to be underachievers?

6. Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles

This won't be the last time you see the Eagles on this list. Let's face it, you're going to be fed heavy doses of the "Dream Team" this season in much the same way the Miami Heat were featured this past season of the NBA.

How Michael Vick bounces back from an ugly showing against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be on everyone's minds in this Week 3 matchup, and whether they have solved their problems at linebacker. 

5. Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens

This game is mostly about the full-scale changes that Mike Shanahan has made. Will the coach be any closer to picking a quarterback between Rex Grossman and John Beck? This may be the first appearance this season of last year's leading rusher Ryan Torain. 

Right now, it's looking more and more likely that Tim Hightower will be the feature back. But one thing fantasy owners know best is that Shanahan doesn't stick to one back on a week-to-week basis.

On the Baltimore side, Lee Evans should have a solid grasp of the playbook at this point and start giving fans a look at how the offense will look this season. 

4. Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks

Storylines galore in this one. This will be Donovan McNabb's second game as a Viking; he'll be facing the man he replaced, Tavaris Jackson, and the team's former star-receiver, Sidney Rice.

This will be a great opportunity to see if all involved can improve on poor showings in their Week 1 matchups. 

3. New England Patriots at Detroit Lions

The Patriots have been on a roll in their first two preseason tilts. This should be a great test for that new, vaunted Lions defensive line. All eyes will be on Ndamukong Suh and making sure that he doesn't put another illegal hit on Tom Brady.

Getting to see Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth and Andre Carter in action doesn't hurt either.

2. Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets

I told you the "Dream Team" would make it on this list again. Vick and company will face their final test before the regular season starts against another elite defense. 

If they perform poorly again, you can probably consider their bid as Super Bowl favorites over. We should know definitively whether Jeremy Maclin will be ready for action at this point, and we'll see if the Jets have managed to create a consistent pass-rush over the offseason.

1. Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers

The new, more aggressive Atlanta offense will be on display against the league's perennial powerhouse defense. By Week 4 of the preseason, both teams' starters will likely be on display for a full half of grade A football.

This is as close as it gets to the real thing, before...well, the real thing starts. Enjoy this Super Bowl quality game in the last week of preseason.